ignition problems

[RWC]

I have a 5.5 1961 Johnson outboard with problems. It will start and run but wouldn't wrap up under a load. I cleaned the carb, checked top plug for fire and had plenty. Anyway I think I found the problem. I didn't know there were two sets of points etc.. The bottom plug was dead as could be. Does anyone know where I can buy points condensors, and possibly coils for these old motors and will they cost an arm and a leg? Is there a way to test the coil. It would appear that some of the insulation has broken off on them. Does everyone run those old motors on a 24:1 fuel mixture? That's what the book says but it smokes a lot.

 

[jegervais]

Re: ignition problems

A tune up kit p/n 172522 is available from any JohnnyRude dealer, about $18. It has 2 sets of point, 2 condensers and some miscellaneous hardware. If the coils are cracked, replace them, you'll have to eventually... The coil p/n is 584477 about $22 each. I just put the same parts in my 1960 model Johnson, they're still available.<br /><br />-John

 

[alcan]

Re: ignition problems

Hello RWC<br /> Ignition parts for your motor are available at your local OMC dealer, you can order them on-line or order them at napa auto parts. You will defenetly want to replace the mag coils. If I recall they cost about $30. ea. Yes the coils can be tested, if you have the machine to do it. You said yours were cracked, so they are shot. You might as well service the water pump as well. It's though to do a proper service job on any outboard for less than $100. in parts. Yes, 24:1 is the proper mix. Yes they smoke a little more. The extra oil used is probably one of the reasons your motor is still runable after 40 years. Do your self a favor spend the money for new parts, do a complete job and you will have a good dependable motor for the next 40 years, who knows? Good luck enjoy your motor.

 

[almost retired again]

Re: ignition problems

Hi RWC,<br /> There was a post on this board a few days ago from a fellow with 30+ years with OMC, he said that OMC put out a bulitin that said you could run any engine that they made on a 50:1 mixture. Well I had heard the same thing, so I've been searching for that bulitin, but havn't found it yet, still looking. I did how ever find some notes from a factory service school dated 1-10-72. It stated,"OMC says you can run any engine they have built on 50:1 Johnson or Evinrude oil if you first remove carbon by removing the cyl. head and scraping or preferable use OMC engine cleaner." Now you can take this for what it's worth, however I've told this to several customers with no negitive feedback.